Connector assemblies for implantable stimulators

ABSTRACT

Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/984,259 by Rafael Carbunaru etal., filed on Oct. 31, 2007, and entitled “CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES FORIMPLANTABLE STIMULATORS,” the contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of medical conditions and disorders have beensuccessfully treated using an implantable stimulator. Implantablestimulators typically stimulate tissue, such as a nerve, by generatingand outputting an electrical stimulation current according to programmedstimulation parameters.

One type of implantable stimulator is known as a microstimulator.Microstimulators are typically characterized by a small, cylindricalhousing containing electronic circuitry that produces the desiredelectric stimulation current between spaced electrodes. Thesestimulators are implanted proximate to the target tissue so that thestimulation current produced by the electrodes stimulates the targettissue to reduce symptoms or otherwise provide therapy for a widevariety of conditions and disorders.

Another type of implantable stimulator is known as an implantable pulsegenerator (IPG). A typical IPG includes a multi-channel pulse generatorhoused in a rounded titanium case. The IPG is generally coupled to alead with a number of electrodes disposed thereon. Stimulation currentis generated by the IPG and delivered to target tissue via theelectrodes on the lead.

As will be readily appreciated, a key part of patient treatment using animplanted stimulator is the proper placement of the stimulator such thatthe electrodes coupled thereto are proximate to the stimulation site tobe stimulated. If the electrodes are optimally placed near thestimulation site, stimulation can be realized over a wide range ofparameters and power consumption can be minimized. However, optimalplacement of a stimulator within a patient is often difficult toaccomplish.

SUMMARY

Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted withina patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one sidesurface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and aconnector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extendparallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. Theconnector assembly is further configured to facilitate removablecoupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to thestimulator.

Exemplary stimulation assemblies include a stimulator configured to beimplanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by atleast one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal endsurfaces, a connector assembly configured to be coupled to thestimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of thestimulator, and an encasing configured to at least partially surroundthe stimulator and the connector assembly. The connector assembly isfurther configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having oneor more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.

Exemplary methods include providing a stimulator coupled to a connectorassembly, removably coupling a lead having one or more electrodesdisposed thereon to the connector assembly, generating electricalstimulation with the stimulator, and applying the electrical stimulationto one or more stimulation sites within a patient via the one or moreelectrodes. In some examples, the stimulator has a body defined by atleast one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal endsurfaces and the connector assembly is configured to extend parallel tothe at least one side surface of the stimulator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of theprinciples described herein and are a part of the specification. Theillustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scopeof the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stimulator that may be used to applyelectrical stimulation to a stimulation site within a patient accordingto principles described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of an implantable stimulatoraccording to principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary lead having a plurality ofelectrodes disposed thereon according to principles described herein.

FIG. 4 is a wireframe perspective view of a stimulator coupled to aconnector assembly according to principles described herein.

FIGS. 5A-5D are top views of a stimulator and each illustratealternative configurations for coupling the conductive wires toelectrical circuitry within the stimulator according to principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 6A shows a configuration wherein the wires that couple the ringcontacts to the electrical circuitry within the stimulator are encasedin a flexible or rigid boot according to principles described herein.

FIG. 6B shows the wires encased in a ribbon cable according toprinciples described herein.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a stimulator having two connector assembliescoupled thereto according to principles described herein.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an encased stimulator with a connectorassembly coupled to one of its sides according to principles describedherein.

FIG. 8B shows the lead after it has been inserted into the connectorassembly of FIG. 8A according to principles described herein.

FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary configuration where first and secondstimulators and their corresponding connector assemblies are coupled oneto another according to principles described herein

FIG. 9B shows four stimulators and their respective connector assembliescoupled together within an encasing according to principles describedherein.

FIG. 9C shows three stimulators and their respective connectorassemblies coupled together within an encasing according to principlesdescribed herein.

FIGS. 10A-10B show exemplary configurations wherein one or morestimulators are configured to conform to curvatures within a patientaccording to principles described herein.

FIG. 11 shows a lead coupled to one of the ends of the stimulatoraccording to principles described herein.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for coupling one or more leads to an implantablestimulator are described herein. In some examples, a stimulator having abody defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal andproximal end surfaces is provided. In some examples, one or moreconnector assemblies may be coupled to and extend parallel to the atleast one side surface of the stimulator. Each connector assembly isconfigured to receive a lead having at least one electrode disposedthereon. Each lead may be selectably removed from the one or moreconnector assemblies. In this manner, different types of leads may beelectrically coupled to the stimulator in order to facilitate differentelectrical stimulation therapies for a patient.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the present systems and methodsmay be practiced without these specific details. Reference in thespecification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Theappearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “stimulator” will beused broadly to refer to any type of device that is configured to beimplanted within a patient to deliver electrical stimulation to astimulation site within the patient. The term “stimulation site” refersto any nerve, muscle, organ, or other tissue within a patient that isstimulated by an implantable stimulator.

To facilitate an understanding of the systems and methods describedherein, a more detailed description of an implantable stimulator and itsoperation will now be given. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stimulator100 that may be used to apply electrical stimulation to a stimulationsite within a patient. Various details associated with the manufacture,operation, and use of implantable stimulators are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,193,539; 5,193,540; 5,312,439; 6,185,452; 6,164,284; 6,208,894;and 6,051,017. All of these listed patents are incorporated herein byreference in their respective entireties.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the stimulator 100 includes a number ofcomponents. It will be recognized that the stimulator 100 may includeadditional and/or alternative components as may serve a particularapplication.

A power source 110 is configured to output voltage used to supply thevarious components within the stimulator 100 with power and/or togenerate the power used for electrical stimulation. The power source 110may include a primary battery, a rechargeable battery (e.g., alithium-ion battery), a super capacitor, a nuclear battery, a mechanicalresonator, an infrared collector (receiving, e.g., infrared energythrough the skin), a thermally-powered energy source (where, e.g.,memory-shaped alloys exposed to a minimal temperature differencegenerate power), a flexural powered energy source (where a flexiblesection subject to flexural forces is part of the stimulator), abioenergy power source (where a chemical reaction provides an energysource), a fuel cell, a bioelectrical cell (where two or more electrodesuse tissue-generated potentials and currents to capture energy andconvert it to useable power), or the like.

The stimulator 100 may also include a coil 120 configured to receiveand/or emit a magnetic field (also referred to as a radio frequency (RF)field) that is used to communicate with, or receive power from, one ormore external devices. Such communication and/or power transfer mayinclude, but is not limited to, transcutaneously receiving data from theexternal device, transmitting data to the external device, and/orreceiving power used to recharge the power source 110.

The stimulator 100 may also include electrical circuitry 130 configuredto generate the electrical stimulation current that is delivered to thestimulation site via one or more electrodes 150 coupled to thestimulator 100. For example, the electrical circuitry 130 may includeone or more processors, capacitors, integrated circuits, resistors,coils, and/or any other component configured to generate electricalstimulation current.

The stimulator 100 may also include a programmable memory unit 140configured to store one or more stimulation parameters. The programmablememory unit 140 allows a patient, clinician, or other user of thestimulator 100 to adjust the stimulation parameters such that thestimulation applied by the stimulator 100 is safe and effective intreating a particular patient. The programmable memory unit 140 mayinclude any type of memory unit such as, but not limited to, randomaccess memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), a hard drive, or the like.

The stimulation parameters may control various parameters of thestimulation current applied to damaged neural tissue including, but notlimited to, the frequency, pulse width, amplitude, waveform, electrodeconfiguration (i.e., anode-cathode assignment), burst pattern (e.g.,continuous or intermittent), duty cycle or burst repeat interval, rampon time, and ramp off time.

Specific stimulation parameters may have different effects on differentdamaged neural tissue within a patient. Thus, in some examples, thestimulation parameters may be adjusted or modified as may serve theparticular patient being treated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the stimulator 100 may be coupled to a number ofelectrodes 150 configured to apply the electrical stimulation current tothe stimulation site. The electrodes 150 will also be referred to hereinas “electrode contacts.” As shown in FIG. 1, there may be any number ofelectrodes 150 coupled to the stimulator 100 as may serve a particularapplication. In some examples, one or more of the electrodes 150 may bedesignated as stimulating electrodes and one of the electrodes 150 maybe designated as an indifferent electrode used to complete one or morestimulation circuits. In some embodiments, as will be described in moredetail below, the electrodes 150 may be disposed on the outer surface ofthe stimulator 100. Additionally or alternatively, the electrodes 150may be disposed on one or more leads that are electrically coupled tothe stimulator 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of the implantable stimulator100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a body of the stimulator100 may be defined by at least one side surface 200 disposed in betweena distal end surface 210 and a proximal end surface 220. The at leastone side surface 200 may include any number of surfaces as may serve aparticular application.

To illustrate, the stimulator 100 shown in FIG. 2 has a generallyrectangular cross-section with corner rounding. The rectangularcross-section shape of the stimulator 100 allows the stimulator 100 tobe implanted within a patient in a pre-determined orientation. Inaddition, the slightly significant aspect ratio (cross-section) of thestimulator 100 minimizes the profile, or height 230, of the stimulator100, which reduces implantation discomfort and skin erosion in manypatients. The minimized height 230 also improves the aesthetic appeal ofthe stimulator 100 when implanted. It will be recognized, however, thatthe rectangular shape of the stimulator 100 shown in FIG. 2 is merelyexemplary of the many different dimensional configurations of thestimulator 100. For example, the stimulator 100 may have a cylindricalshape, a long oval shape, or any other suitable shape as may serve aparticular application.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stimulator 100 may include multiple assemblies.For example, the stimulator 100 may include a first assembly 240 coupledto a second assembly 250. Each assembly may be configured to housedifferent components of the stimulator 100.

In some examples, the first assembly 240 houses the coil 120, theelectrical circuitry 130, the programmable memory 140, and/or any othercomponent of the stimulator 100 as may serve a particular application.The first assembly 240 may be made out of any suitable material thatallows the coil 120 to emit and receive a magnetic field used tocommunicate with an external device or with another implanted device.For example, the first assembly 240 may be made out of a ceramicmaterial, glass, plastic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., Titanium) configuredto allow the passage of a magnetic field, or any other suitablematerial. Because the first assembly 240 is sometimes made out of aceramic material, it is sometimes referred to as a ceramic window.

The second assembly 250 shown in FIG. 2 may be configured to house thepower source 110. Because the second assembly 250 is typically longerthan the first assembly 240, the second assembly 250 is often referredto as the main body of the stimulator 100. In some examples, the secondassembly 250 is made out of a conductive metal (e.g., Titanium).Additionally or alternatively, the second assembly 250 may be made outof ceramic, glass, or any other suitable material.

In some examples, the stimulator 100 may also include a header assembly260 at either end of the stimulator body. The header assembly 260 may bemade out of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, a ceramicmaterial, glass, plastic, a polymer, or a metal (e.g., Titanium). Asshown in FIG. 2, the header assembly 260 may include one or morefeedthroughs 270 configured to facilitate passage therethrough of one ormore conductive paths (e.g., wires, vias, etc.) from the electricalcircuitry 130 disposed within the stimulator 100 to one or more devicesor assemblies located outside the stimulator 100.

For illustrative purposes only, it will be assumed in the examples givenherein that the stimulator 100 includes a first assembly 240, a secondassembly 250, and a header assembly 260, as described in connection withFIG. 2. However, it will be recognized that the stimulator 100 mayinclude any number of assemblies made out of any combination ofmaterials. For example, the stimulator 100 may only include a singleassembly that houses all the components of the stimulator 100.Alternatively, the stimulator 100 may include more than two assemblies.In general, the external surface of the stimulator 100 may be made outof glass, ceramic, plastic, polymers, metal, metal-alloys, or any othersuitable material.

It is often desirable for the stimulator 100 to be coupled to multipleelectrodes 150 to facilitate more precise electrical stimulation of astimulation site within a patient. Multiple electrodes 150 also allowphysicians to account for variations in patient anatomy, provide anincreased range of stimulation, accommodate or recover from stimulatormigration, and provide an increased number of treatment options.

Hence, in some examples, a plurality of electrode 150 may be disposed onthe outer surface of the stimulator 100. While this type ofconfiguration is effective in some applications, the number of treatableareas of the body are restricted due to the thickness of the stimulator100. Moreover, if one or more of the electrodes 150 becomes defective,the entire stimulator 100 may have to be replaced, which is taxing onthe patient.

To this end, the stimulator 100 may additionally or alternatively beconfigured to be removably coupled to one or more leads with a pluralityof electrodes 150 disposed thereon. In this manner, different leadshaving different capabilities may be selectively coupled to thestimulator 100 in order to facilitate a desired stimulation therapy fora patient.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary lead 300 having a plurality ofelectrodes 150 disposed thereon. In some examples, the lead 300 issubstantially cylindrical. However, it will be recognized that the lead300 may have any suitable shape as may serve a particular application.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lead 300 may include a plurality of electrodes150 disposed on a distal portion thereof. The number of electrodes 150may vary as may serve a particular application. For illustrativepurposes only, FIG. 3 shows that there are eight electrodes 150 disposedon the distal portion of the lead 300.

In some examples, the lead 300 may also include a plurality ofelectrical contacts 310 disposed on a proximal portion thereof. Eachelectrical contact 310 is electrically coupled to one of the electrodes150 via one or more conductive wires, vias, or other paths within thelead 300. As will be described in more detail below, the proximalportion of the lead 300 having the electrical contacts 310 is configuredto be inserted into a connector assembly that is a part of or coupled tothe stimulator 100. In this manner, the lead 300 may be removablycoupled to the stimulator 100. Contacts 150 and 310 may be made out ofany suitable conductive material as may serve a particular application.

As mentioned, the stimulator 100 may include or be coupled to one ormore connector assemblies configured to facilitate electrical couplingof the lead 300 to the stimulator 100. As will be described in moredetail below, the connector assemblies may be configured to facilitateelectrical coupling of one or more leads 300 to the stimulator 100.

FIG. 4 is a wireframe perspective view of a stimulator 100 coupled to aconnector assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector assembly 400may be coupled to one of the sides of the stimulator 100 such that thelength of the connector assembly 400 is substantially collinear with thelength of the stimulator 100.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the length of the connectorassembly 400 may be substantially equal to the length of the stimulator100. Alternatively, the length of the connector assembly 400 may be anyother size in relation to the length of the stimulator 100 as may servea particular application.

In some examples, the connector assembly 400 may be coupled to thestimulator 100 using any suitable epoxy, metal bond, or other couplingmeans. Additionally or alternatively, the connector assembly 400 may becoupled to the stimulator 100 with a polymer or other material as mayserve a particular application. In some examples, the material used tocouple the connector assembly 400 to the stimulator 100 is flexible.Additionally or alternatively, one or more circuits, traces, and/orwires used to couple the connector assembly 400 to the stimulator 100may be flexible. In this manner, the stimulator 100 may flex to conformto various locations within the patient.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, an encasing 410 madeout of any suitable flexible or rigid material (e.g., a polymer,silicone, or metal) may be placed at least partially around thestimulator 100 and connector assembly 400. The encasing 410 may beconfigured to reinforce the connection between the connector assembly400 and the stimulator 100. Alternatively, the encasing 410 may be theonly means for coupling the connector assembly 400 to the stimulator100. A flexible material may allow the device to be placed in variouslocations in the body, flex to conform to anatomy, and increase patientcomfort. A rigid material may yield a more robust system. A materialwith a balance between flexibility and structural integrity may also beused as may serve a particular application.

As mentioned, in some examples, the encasing 410 may be made out ofsilicone. One or more sutures may be tied around the silicone encasing410 to affix the stimulator 100 and connector assembly 400 to an implantlocation within a patient. When the sutures are tied around the siliconeencasing 410, the indentation of the silicone caused by the sutures maystabilize the stimulator 100 and connector assembly 400 and minimizemigration. The external silicone layer may also serve as a protectionand a seal configured to prevent harmful biological agents from enteringthe stimulator 100 and/or connector assembly 400.

As shown in FIG. 4, the connector assembly 400 may include a hollowlumen 420 extending at least partially therethrough and in communicationwith an opening 430. In some examples, the opening 430 may be disposedat either end of the connector assembly 400. The opening 430 and thelumen 420 are configured to receive the proximal portion of the lead300, as will be described in more detail below.

A plurality of spaced ring contacts 440 may be in communication with(e.g., disposed within) the lumen 420 of the connector assembly 400.Each ring contact 440 may be configured to make electrical contact withone of the corresponding electrical contacts 310 disposed on theproximal portion of the lead 300 when the lead 300 is inserted into thelumen 420. While ring contacts 440 are shown in FIG. 4, it will berecognized that the ring contacts 440 may be of any suitable shape orsize. Moreover, it will be recognized that the ring contacts 440 mayinclude any electrical contact made out of any suitable conductivematerial.

As shown in FIG. 4, each ring contact 440 may be coupled to electricalcircuitry within the stimulator 100 by means of a plurality ofconductive wires 450. Wires 450 may include any conductive conduitincluding, but not limited to, physical wires, metal traces, circuits,and vias that may be used to electrically couple the ring contacts 440to the electrical circuitry 130 disposed within the stimulator 100.Moreover, it will be recognized that the wires 450 may be flexible.

The conductive wires 450 may be coupled to electrical circuitry 130disposed within the stimulator 100 in any of a number of different ways.For example, FIGS. 5A-5D are top views of the stimulator 100 and eachillustrate alternative configurations for coupling the conductive wires450 to electrical circuitry 130 disposed within the stimulator 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the wires 450 may be routed from thering contacts 440 to the electrical circuitry 130 via one or morefeedthroughs (not shown) located at a top surface 500 of the headerassembly 260. FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative configuration whereinthe wires 450 are routed from the ring contacts 440 to the electricalcircuitry 130 via one or more feedthroughs (not shown) located at a sidesurface 510 of the header assembly 260. FIG. 5C illustrates analternative configuration wherein the wires 450 are routed from the ringcontacts 440 to the electrical circuitry 130 via one or morefeedthroughs (not shown) located at a side surface 520 of the secondassembly 250. FIG. 5D illustrates an alternative configuration whereinthe wires 450 are routed from the ring contacts 440 to the electricalcircuitry 130 via one or more feedthroughs (not shown) located at a sidesurface 530 of the first assembly 240.

In some examples, any suitable device or mechanism may be used to securea lead 300 within the connector assembly 400 after the lead 300 has beeninserted therein. For example, FIGS. 5A-5E each show a set screwreceptacle 540 disposed within the connector assembly 400. In someexamples, after the lead 300 has been inserted into the connectorassembly 400, a set screw may be disposed within the set screwreceptacle 540 and tightened in order to apply retaining force to thelead 300. Additionally or alternatively, any number of snaps, retentionrings, clips, adhesives, cams, retention springs, keyways, and quarterturns may be used to retain the lead 300 within the connector assembly400.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the stimulator 100 and connector assembly 400and shows that the wires 450 that couple the ring contacts 440 to theelectrical circuitry 130 disposed within the stimulator 100 may beencased in a flexible or rigid boot 600. The boot 600 may be configuredto protect the wires 450 from an external environment and/or frombreaking and may be made out of any suitable material as may serve aparticular application including, but not limited to, a polymer,silicone, metal, rubber, plastic, etc. FIG. 6B illustrates analternative configuration wherein a ribbon cable 610 is configured toprotect the wires 450. The ribbon cable 610 may be flexible or rigid asmay serve a particular application. It will be recognized that anyadditional or alternative means for protecting the wires 450 may beused.

In some examples, the stimulator 100 may include multiple connectorassemblies 400 to facilitate the coupling of two or more leads 300 tothe stimulator 100. In this manner, an increased number of stimulationelectrodes may be used to apply electrical stimulation to one or morestimulation sites within a patient.

To illustrate, FIG. 7 is a top view of a stimulator 100 having twoconnector assemblies 400-1 and 400-2 coupled thereto. Connectorassemblies 400-1 and 400-2 will be referred to collectively herein as“connector assemblies 400”. Each connector assembly 400 may beconfigured to receive a corresponding lead 300. It will be recognizedthat any number of connector assemblies 400 may be coupled to thestimulator 100.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of stimulation assembly 800 that includesa stimulator 100 (not shown) and a connector assembly 400 (not shown)encased within an encasing 410. FIG. 8A also shows a lead 300 prior tobeing inserted into the opening 430 of the connector assembly 400. FIG.8B shows the lead 300 after it has been inserted through the opening 430and into the connector assembly 400. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, one ormore suturing holes 810 may be included within the encasing 410. Achannel may run between these holes 810. In this manner, a physician maythread one or more sutures 180 or other anchoring devices to anchor thestimulation assembly 800 to fascia or any other suitable location withinthe patient. Also shown in FIGS. 8A-8B is the set screw receptacle 540into which a set screw may be inserted to affix the lead 300 to theconnector assembly 400.

In some examples, a plurality of stimulators 100 and their correspondingconnector assemblies 400 may be coupled together to facilitate anincreased number of electrodes 150 through which electrical stimulationmay be applied to one or more stimulation sites.

To illustrate, FIGS. 9A-9C are top views of various configurationswherein a plurality of stimulators 100 and their corresponding connectorassemblies 400 are coupled one to another by being included within anencasing 410. For example, FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplaryconfiguration where first and second stimulators 100-1 and 100-2 andtheir corresponding connector assemblies 400-1 and 400-2, respectively,are coupled one to another. Such coupling may be accomplished byencasing both stimulators 100 and their respective connector assemblies400 within encasing 410. The stimulators 100 and connector assemblies400 may be coupled one to another in any other way as may serve aparticular application.

Likewise, FIG. 9B shows four stimulators 100-1 through 100-4 and theirrespective connector assemblies 400-1 through 400-4 coupled togetherwithin encasing 410. FIG. 9C shows three stimulators (100-1 through100-3) and their respective connector assemblies (400-1 through 400-3)coupled together within encasing 410.

As mentioned, if the encasing 410 and/or the connection in between thestimulator 100 and the connector assembly 400 is flexible, thestimulator 100 may be sutured or otherwise coupled to a non-planarsurface within the patient. For example, FIGS. 10A-10B show exemplaryconfigurations wherein the encasing 410 surrounding a one or morestimulator 100 and connector assembly 400 combinations is configured toconform to curvatures within a patient. As shown in FIG. 10A, a singlestimulator 100 coupled to a single connector assembly 400 may be encasedwithin a flexible encasing 410 such that the encasing 410 flexes toconform to curvature 1000 within a patient. Likewise, FIG. 10B showsdual stimulators 100-1 and 100-2 and their respective connectorassemblies 400-1 and 400-2 encased within an encasing 410 that isconfigured to conform to another curvature 1010 within a patient.

In some alternative examples, the lead 300 may additionally oralternatively be coupled to one of the ends of the stimulator 100, asillustrated in FIG. 11.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate anddescribe embodiments of the invention. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching.

1. A system comprising: a plurality of individual stimulators configuredto be implanted within a patient, each of said stimulators having a bodycomprising a distal end surface, a proximal end surface, and at leastone side surface disposed in between the distal and proximal endsurfaces; a plurality of connector assemblies, each connector assemblyconfigured to be coupled to a respective one of said stimulators andextend parallel to said at least one side surface of the respective oneof said stimulators; and a single encasing configured to at leastpartially surround the plurality of stimulators and the plurality ofconnector assemblies to hold all of the stimulators and connectorassemblies together as a single unit; wherein each of the connectorassemblies is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of alead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the respectiveone of said stimulators.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of saidstimulators is further configured to generate electrical stimulation andapply said electrical stimulation to one or more stimulation siteswithin said patient via said one or more electrodes.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of said stimulators further comprises atleast one electrode disposed on said at least one side surface.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each of said connector assemblies comprises:a lumen extending parallel to said at least one side surface of therespective one of said stimulators; one or more electrical contacts incommunication with said lumen; and an opening configured to receive saidlead; wherein said lead is configured to be inserted into said lumensuch that said electrical contacts are configured to electrically coupleto one or more corresponding electrical contacts disposed on said lead.5. The system of claim 4, wherein said electrical contacts incommunication with said lumen comprise ring contacts.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said encasing is made out of one of a rigid materialand a flexible material.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising,for each of the connector assemblies, one or more conductive wiresconfigured to electrically couple electrical circuitry disposed withinthe respective one of said stimulators to the connector assembly.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, further comprising at least one of a boot member anda ribbon cable configured to at least partially surround a portion ofsaid conductive wires.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein said one ormore conductive wires are flexible.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinat least one of said connector assemblies is further configured tofacilitate removable coupling of a plurality of leads to the respectiveone of said stimulators.
 11. A method comprising: providing the systemof claim 1; removably coupling a lead having one or more electrodesdisposed thereon to a one of the connector assemblies; generatingelectrical stimulation with the respective one of said stimulators thatis coupled to the lead; and applying said electrical stimulation to oneor more stimulation sites within a patient via said one or moreelectrodes.
 12. A stimulation assembly comprising: a stimulatorconfigured to be implanted within a patient, said stimulator having abody comprising a distal end surface, a proximal end surface, and atleast one side surface disposed in between the distal and proximal endsurfaces, said stimulator further comprising a plurality of electrodesdisposed on the body of the stimulator and configured for providingelectrical stimulation to one or more stimulation sites within saidpatient via the electrodes; a connector assembly configured to becoupled to said stimulator and extend parallel to said at least one sidesurface of said stimulator; a lead having a distal portion, a proximalportion, a plurality lead electrodes disposed along the distal portion,and a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along the proximalportion and electrically coupled to the plurality of lead electrodes,said connector assembly being further configured to receive the proximalportion of the lead to facilitate removable coupling of said lead tosaid stimulator through the electrical contacts of the lead and toprovide electrical stimulation from the stimulator to one or morestimulation sites within said patient via the lead and the leadelectrodes; and an encasing configured to at least partially surroundsaid stimulator and said connector assembly.
 13. The stimulationassembly of claim 12, wherein said connector assembly comprises: a lumenextending parallel to said at least one side surface of said stimulator;a plurality of electrical contacts in communication with said lumen; andan opening configured to receive the proximal portion of said lead;wherein said lead is configured to be inserted into said lumen such thatsaid electrical contacts of the connector assembly are configured toelectrically couple to the electrical contacts disposed on said lead.14. The stimulation assembly of claim 12, wherein said encasing is madeout of at least one of a rigid material and a flexible material.
 15. Thestimulation assembly of claim 12, further comprising one or moreflexible conductive wires configured to electrically couple electricalcircuitry disposed within said stimulator to said connector assembly.16. The stimulation assembly of claim 15, further comprising at leastone of a boot member and a ribbon cable configured to at least partiallysurround a portion of said conductive wires.
 17. The system of claim 1,further comprising a lead having a distal portion, a proximal portion, aplurality lead electrodes disposed along the distal portion, and aplurality of electrical contacts disposed along the proximal portion andelectrically coupled to the plurality of lead electrodes, wherein theconnector assembly is configured to receive the proximal portion of thelead to facilitate removable coupling of the lead to said stimulatorthrough the electrical contacts of the lead and to provide electricalstimulation from the stimulator to one or more stimulation sites withinsaid patient via the lead and the lead electrodes.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of individual stimulators is threeindividual stimulators and the plurality of connector assemblies isthree connector assemblies, the encasing holding all three individualstimulators and all three connector assemblies together.
 19. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plurality of individual stimulators is fourindividual stimulators and the plurality of connector assemblies is fourconnector assemblies, the encasing holding all four individualstimulators and all four connector assemblies together.